Complaints

The SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints for its licensees and has authority to conduct investigations, enforce regulations and impose sanctions when a violation of law or regulation has occurred.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board has no jurisdiction over actions concerning fees. The Board does have jurisdiction over investigation of complaints placed against:

  • physicians: allopathic and osteopathic doctors
  • advanced life support personnel
  • physician assistants
  • athletic trainers
  • occupational therapists & occupational therapy assistants
  • respiratory therapists
  • nutritionists & dietitians
  • genetic counselors

Before filing a complaint, you can search for the licensee to verify the person is in one of the above groups and to check for correct spelling of the name.

The Board does NOT have jurisdiction over other health disciplines or facilities as listed:

  • optometrists
  • psychologists
  • chiropractors
  • podiatrists
  • dentists
  • registered nurses
  • physical therapist/physical therapy assistant
  • hospitals
  • nursing homes
  • surgical centers
  • other health care facilities


HANDLING OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board receives the complaint form and determines if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction. If the complaint is within the Board’s jurisdiction, then it is reviewed and an investigation begins if it rises to this level.

Please note, that an investigation can be a time-consuming process. If·a violation of the law or of regulation has occurred, the Board may give the provider an opportunity to come into compliance with the law or regulation, or the Board may determine that other action is necessary. If there is no violation of law or of regulation, the file on the complaint is closed. All investigation material is confidential by law. All public Board Actions can be located on the website - click on the Disciplinary Actions tab in the right hand menu. If the investigation should result in a formal hearing, the Board may subpoena persons to testify at that hearing if it is believed that their testimony is essential to the case.


FILING A COMPLAINT

Complaints should be submitted on the Board’s complaint form.
Please click the link to open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader, read the instructions, print the form, complete the form, and return to the Board at:

101 N. Main Ave Suite 301
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Board will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, may contact you for additional information, and will notify you once the review or investigation is completed.